Topical Bible: Chariot: Introduced Among Israelites by David

◄ Chariot: Introduced Among Israelites by David ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The chariot, a significant military innovation in the ancient Near East, was introduced among the Israelites during the reign of King David. This development marked a pivotal moment in the military history of Israel, enhancing their capabilities in warfare and symbolizing a shift in their approach to battle.

Historical Context

Chariots were widely used by neighboring civilizations such as the Egyptians, Hittites, and Canaanites long before their introduction to Israel. These vehicles were typically drawn by horses and used for both warfare and ceremonial purposes. The chariot's speed and mobility provided a strategic advantage on the battlefield, allowing for rapid movement and effective engagement with enemy forces.

Introduction by David

King David, renowned for his military prowess and strategic acumen, recognized the importance of incorporating chariots into the Israelite army. The Bible records David's acquisition of chariots following his victories over surrounding nations. In 2 Samuel 8:4 , it is noted: "David captured from him one thousand chariots, seven thousand charioteers, and twenty thousand foot soldiers. David hamstrung all the chariot horses, but he spared enough of them for one hundred chariots."

This passage highlights David's strategic decision to integrate chariots into his military forces, while also demonstrating his prudence in managing resources. By sparing a portion of the chariot horses, David ensured that Israel could maintain a functional chariot corps without overextending their capabilities.

Military Significance

The introduction of chariots under David's leadership significantly enhanced Israel's military strength. Chariots provided a tactical advantage in open-field battles, allowing for swift attacks and retreats. They also served as a platform for archers, increasing the range and effectiveness of Israel's offensive capabilities.

The use of chariots continued to evolve under subsequent kings, notably Solomon, who expanded the chariot forces and established chariot cities as recorded in 1 Kings 10:26 : "Solomon accumulated chariots and horses; he had fourteen hundred chariots and twelve thousand horses, which he stationed in the chariot cities and also with him in Jerusalem."

Symbolic and Cultural Impact

Beyond their military utility, chariots held symbolic significance in Israelite culture. They were often associated with royal power and divine intervention. The imagery of chariots is frequently used in biblical literature to convey strength and majesty, as seen in the prophetic writings and Psalms.

In Psalm 68:17 , the chariots of God are described: "The chariots of God are tens of thousands—thousands of thousands are they; the Lord is in His sanctuary as He was at Sinai." This metaphorical use underscores the chariot's role as a symbol of divine might and protection.

Conclusion

The introduction of chariots by David marked a transformative period in Israel's military history, reflecting both practical and symbolic dimensions. As a tool of warfare, chariots enhanced Israel's strategic capabilities, while also serving as a potent symbol of royal authority and divine power.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Samuel 8:4
And David took from him a thousand chariots, and seven hundred horsemen, and twenty thousand footmen: and David hamstrung all the chariot horses, but reserved of them for an hundred chariots.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Babylonia and Assyria
... his dress, to ride in his chariot, or even to ... exercised an influence on the Israelites
and their ... which crushed all opposition, and introduced among mankind the ...
/.../early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter vi babylonia and assyria.htm

Influences that Gave Rise to the Priestly Laws and Histories
... largely lost the historic sense, and among the priestly ... upon their chariots and their
chariot wheels, so ... that had that learned jurist been introduced, when a ...
/.../ix influences that gave rise.htm

The Figurative Language of Scripture.
... It is the mighty overturnings among the nations, social ... form of the parable, the
personages introduced to illustrate ... nature of the vision of the chariot of God ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxv the figurative language.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... A number of the Israelites transferred their allegiance to ... its arms was so great
even among races who ... Sharduris abandoned his chariot, and could find nothing ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... so long in coming?"Why tarry the wheels of his chariot?'"Her wise ... so is his strength."
From this victory rose the first monarchy among the Israelites. ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

The Immaculate Conception
... She introduced into the hymn all the prophetic symbols of ... wherefore Jesus walked
no more openly among the Jews ... latter, since she perceived the chariot which had ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/ii the immaculate conception.htm

The Old Testament and Comparative Religion
... sacrifice; the king shall not mount his chariot, as ruler ... Some of the changes introduced
by the Hebrews are ... himself, which was also the custom among the Hebrews ...
/.../eiselen/the christian view of the old testament/chapter v the old testament.htm

Letter xxii. To Eustochium.
... of the world, and roll on in God's chariot on rapid ... down, one called the father stands
up among them and ... Paul [618] introduced this way of life; Antony made it ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter xxii to eustochium.htm

The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
... were also worshipped; these had been introduced in some ... bearing similar characteristics:
at Nerab, among the Patina ... light, Bekubel the wind, the chariot of El ...
/.../chapter ithe assyrian revival and.htm

The Mystery
... of worshipping Christ freely, as the Israelites in the ... idolatry, and that originally
confirmed among themselves, under ... throne of the kingdom of David, and the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mede/a key to the apocalypse/the mystery 2.htm